NCL - EPIC - Summer 2010

In case you haven't heard....NCL is setting sail SUMMER 2010 in a whole new style! The EPIC, the "next generation of freestyle cruising" will be the newest ship in the NCL fleet and will boast several new highlights.

The ever popular BLUE MAN GROUP has signed an exclusive contract with the EPIC (not just NCL, but with the EPIC specifically - so if you want to see them on the water, you have to sail on the EPIC!) and will offer nightly shows to guests. In addition to the Blue Man Group, the EPIC will have shows by the ever impressive Cirque Dreams and hilarious Second City comedy tour.

With over 20 dining options on board, you're sure to find several appetizing options. In addition to the two main dining rooms, there is an upscale steakhouse, NCL's signature French restaurant, an authentic Teppanyaki Hibachi grill, a family-style Italian spot, and a sensational sushi bar - to name a few!
The nightlife on the boat is one of a kind. At POSH, the beach club at sea meant to mesh the sizzle of South Beach with the ritz of the Riviera, exclusive bottle service, gaming tables, and a DJ get the party going!

In addition, to the hot party on deck, EPIC with feature a full service ice bar - one of only 14 in the WORLD! In this bar, the walls, bar, stools, sculptures, and even shot glasses! are made out of ice. (Faux fur coats are provided to help keep you warm in the chilly 17 degrees!)

The Casino is the largest and most elegant of any on an NCL ship, and the spa is second to none. From massages to BOTOX, the EPIC spa is full-service and ready to pamper you the entire trip!

All staterooms have been redesigned to combine a sleek, urban feel without the city! The walls have a delightful, contemporary curve. Concealed contour lighting and domed ceilings give the open feel of a skylight. Even the bathroom treatment is totally unique – every area is separate, including the shower and modern vanity top sink. And on Norwegian Epic, all the outside rooms are New Wave Balcony Staterooms.


Norwegian Epic is scheduled to be delivered in late May 2010, and will take part in inaugural events before beginning her Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from her year-round homeport in Miami. The first Eastern Caribbean sailing from Miami is scheduled for July 17, 2010 and the ship’s alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries are scheduled through April 2011.

Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas. The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes calls in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

To see NCL's EPIC video, please follow the link below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHN04TfkXs0

What's there to do off the boat?

Although cruising is jam-packed with tons of on board activities, there are MANY different options on land, too. This is how it works - Some days are days in port, other days are days at sea. Days at sea are just what you'd think them to be - days where you're sailing all day and the boat doesn't ever dock in port. It's on these days that the Cruise Director plans for even more on board activities to keep guests entertained and excited about cruising.

Days in port are days in which the ship is docked and passengers are free to exit the ship and explore the surroundings. The ship usually docks early in the morning (between 7 and 9am) and leaves in the evening (usually between 6 and 8pm) and passengers are free to roam about in between. So what's there to do on land? You have several options:

1. Visit the Shore Excursion desk on board and sign up to go on one of the pre-approved trips organized by the cruise line. These trips are planned with reputable vendors and pose little risk to the passengers. The trips range from a day of sailing and snorkeling, to parasailing, helicopter rides, zip-line adventures, beach days, 4x4 off-roading in the dunes, swimming with the dolphins/rays trips...pretty much anything you'd want to do - there's someone doing it!

2. Rent a car. If you're familiar with the port of call and want to do your own thing, go right ahead! Most of the ports are near local airports which makes car rentals easy - there's often a free shuttle from the ship to rental office, too! Just make sure you get a map and a good watch - you don't want to get lost and miss the boat!

3. Find your own tour. Often local tour guides, who are not affiliated with the cruise lines, will ofter various trips in and around town - maybe a cab driver who offers a daily rate. While these trips are often available, be wary as there is no insurance associated with these trips - they have not been pre-screened/approved by the cruise line.

4. Walk around/rent a scooter or bike. Most of the ports are in or near (a very short cab ride) to the local town. Each town has its own culture and style and visiting the towns and seeing the sights is often very education (and economical) and breaks up the trip.

5. Go to the beach! This option applies most if you're visiting the Caribbean, Bahamas, and/or Hawaii, but I guess you could look for a beach in Alaska - tons of ocean-front property there!... most people go on vacation to relax, soak up the rays, and see something new. Sometimes a beach day is a perfect combination of all three! Ask at the reception desk on board for a local map and to help point out some hot beach spots!

If you're still not convinced there's plenty to do in port, give me a call and we can chat about it! I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have about cruising or shore excursions!